14-storey student complex approved

THE University of Tasmania’s planned $50 million student accommodation complex in the CBD has been approved by Hobart City Council with construction set to begin this year.

The council voted 7-4 in favour of the 14-storey, 45mhigh student accommodation.

Aldermen Marti Zucco, Eva Ruzicka, Tanya Denison, Damon Thomas, Jeff Briscoe, Deputy Lord Mayor Peter Sexton and Lord Mayor Ron Christie supported the development.

Aldermen Philip Cocker, Anna Reynolds, Bill Harvey and Helen Burnet voted against it.

The Melville St building will house more than 421 student beds across 189 apartments in a mix of single and multi-occupant rooms.

Ald Reynolds and Ald Burnet both objected to the building’s height.

Ald Zucco argued that if the council was serious about doing something about affordable housing in the city, it should support the development.

Ald Briscoe said: “I think it’s a great development for the city. The 400-plus beds will take some pressure off rental accommodation in Hobart.”

The development will include the demolition of the Red Cross buildings but retain and reuse the existing threestorey classical heritage building.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year with an estimated completion date of February 2020.